The Material Boy #364

Below: Finally locate a pic of the studded nylon bag, Pelayo has been spotted carrying... Click on pics to enlarge

Below: I like the broad shoulder strap and the side handle which is fastened to the bag by studs...

Below: Pelayo of Katelovesme.net carrying the bag...

Below: The bag as carried by a model on Givenchy's website... notice the proportion of the bag to the model. Should give a good indication of the size:-)

Givenchy Studded Nylon Duffel Bag

Dun I love my very helpful readers! Thanks to a reader of mine (thanks Mark!), I finally locate pics online for the Givenchy Studded Nylon Duffel Pelayo has been seen carrying and me drooling over.

Surprisingly, the nylon material did not make it any less appealing, instead made it lighter and more durable for daily use and abuse. Truly a piece of 'Armed' candy...:-P And ladies can use it to ward off any unwanted company. (Ouch!)

Source: Liberty

Price: £485 (It's very affordable!). Where to buy: Liberty (They do ship international)

My MANy Bags News #185

Below: The special edition 'Paravanda Frida' Boston Bag to benefit Mainly I Love Kids (MILK)...


Below: The hybrid orchid 'Paravanda Frida' named after Gucci Creative Director, Frida Giannini

Gucci Celebrates Opening Of Renovated Paragon Flagship Store In Singapore With 'Paravanda Frida' Collection

February kickstarts the opening of many new stores in Singapore and being able to do charity at the same time makes the celebration even more meaningful. I am happy to announce Gucci will be doing just that and more!

As blogged previously by Bagaholicboy, Gucci's newly renovated Paragon Flagship Store will open next week on February 5, 2010. To commemorate the new store opening, Gucci's creative director, Frida Giannini has designed a unique collection of items to benefit the Mainly I love Kids (MILK) Charity. This collection is inspired by the hybrid 'Paravanda Frida' (aptly named after the lovely Frida Giannini), an orchid presented to Gucci by the Singapore Tourism Board in association with Botanic Gardens.

This charity drive is in line with Gucci's continued support of UNICEF to assist disadvantage children in Sub-Saharan Africa since over 5 years ago. Now Gucci will extend this commitment to become a worldwide initiative to outreach even more children.

The Paravanda Frida collection will include limited edition Paravanda Frida Appliqué Boston Bag (with appliquéd orchids in leather and white crocodile leather handles. Only 10 are made), special edition Boston Bag in white GG Canvas, a wristlet and a t-shirt.

The 10,000 square feet Paragon store will spot 2 spacious levels with an imposing five-storey facade overlooking Orchard Road. Signature luxurious materials of rosewood and marble are enhanced with polished gold, ribbed glass and smoked bronze glass that recalls the elegance and richness of the Art Deco Era. (I am already excited upon hearing these descriptions!)

Do play your part to support Gucci's charity efforts to benefit our future generation thru MILK. Drop by the new store next week and check out the impressive new decor, a welcome addition to the retail scene of Singapore!

Source: Gucci

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #82

Men In Milan

Real guys in real time. Shot recently at Milan Men's Fashion Week, by one of my favourite street style photographer, All the pretty birds, here's 3 shots of guys wearing their distinctively different coats. Each with their personal style.

The first guy spots a brown 'clay-like' textured coat and he pairs them with his acid wash jeans. An interesting combination of textures that compliments each other. U wonder if they are deliberate or it's just his flair for matching. Nonetheless, the result is one that is refreshing, and imbued with his personality.

I love the coat on the middle guy. Devoid of pockets and other details, it has a minimal appeal where less speaks volumes. The small button that is visible becomes a focal point that gets my attention:-) All these finished with a pair of cool Lanvin Sneakers.

The last guy's rounded shoulder coat reminds me of Balenciaga. But in a way more down to earth. Real guys do pull off runway looks with their own interpretation:-)

Source: All the pretty birds

My MANy Bags News #184

Below: (Click on pics to enlarge) One of my favourite stylist in Japan, Tomoki Sukezane shoots LV's Spring Summer 2010 Taiga bags...

Below: (Click on pics to enlarge) Behind the scenes shots...

Below: Love this trench coat with the wet smudge effect...

Below: A smart backpack in Taiga leather... drools...

Tomoki Sukezane: Louis Vuitton Taiga For ENGINE×OPENERS (Behind The Scenes)

Famed Japanese stylist and photographer shoots Louis Vuitton's lastest Spring Summer 2010 Men's Taiga range of bags for Openers website and Engine Magazine.

Here's 3 final shots and what goes behind the photo session. Remember to drool over those taiga pieces and I love that trench coat with a wet smudge effect. LVoe!

Always nice to get behind the scenes of what goes on at photoshoots. The amount of attention to details and seeing the work crew is as much a joy to admire as the final photos:)

Source: Openers

The Runway Sniper #49

Below: Some of my favourite looks from Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2010 Men's Collection... Love those tattered tees (SGD $340 at Club 21 Mens, Singapore) whose distressed details become part of the design... notice how some of the strips of the fabric drapes down at the waist:-)

Below: The outer wear although looking simple, has many interesting details such as attached scarves with braided ends... that provides many interesting layering possibilities.

Below: I tried on this very special polo tee (SGD $340 at Club 21 Mens, Singapore) last weekend. Notice how the left and right side of the front somehow overlaps each other. Original and eye catching without 'shouting' for attention. The sandals (SGD $840 at Club 21 Singapore) with a suede ankle wrap and cut out front spots a worn finish, as if you have treaded many miles with them. A statement making footwear that is a must have! (I have blogged about this pair of sandals here)

Below: Another version of the tattered tees, even more distressed (SGD $460 at Club 21 Singapore). But they worked great under any blazers or jacket as it gives a nice textural appeal to the look. Sold out at Club 21 Mens, Singapore in Navy colour in just 2 weeks, and the khaki colour has only one piece left...

Below: Another gorgeous piece : A blazer with an attached braided scarf (SGD $1580 at Club 21 Mens, Singapore). Soft fabric which has a delibrate washed effect and the dents at the back spot a cute hidden silver coin. Great for a bit of flair and drama:-) while not trying too hard.

Below: Love this look! The rose (the rose was also one of the objects in the book) scarf is versatile around the neck or the waist as a belt. The ankle strap shoes is also one of my favourites:-)

Below: Enter the 'Prince'... and his glorious crown:-)

Below: A distinctive showpiece that is also featured on the ad campaign:-)

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Menswear

A collection of child-like fantasy, of men who never grows up, of youthful charm that is ever lasting. Based on the famed children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince, Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2010 Mens Collection comes with a display of boyish looks that is an expression of childhood innocence with colours (metallics and black) that depict explorations of deep space. The collection may look bountiful to the eyes with careful play on layering... surprisingly, it is a very wearable collection that has fast risen to my top favourite for this new season.

Tattered tees, soft flowing baggy trousers and shorts, worn out shoe/sandals depict the toils of journey embarked by the book's lead character. Innovative detailing such as braided ends of scarf that is attached to blazers, vests or shirts and highly original cris-cross displacement of front of polo tees, ranks high on creativity. There is also interesting footwear with ankle suede wrap on cut out sandals, or ankle strap for lace-ups, all of which pushes the male footwear design. I also love the rose scarf which was used as a versatile accessory worn/drape around necks or tied around waists for a refined charm.

At the end of the show, an appropriate last look of our dear 'Prince' wearing his handsome crown (also feature as one of the imagery for the ad campaign). Indeed, a fabulous collection that is worthy of a bit of 'royalty' in all of us:-)

I got a few pieces from the collection at Club 21 Mens, Singapore which some designs have already sold out (in sizing or the design). The collection is also sold exclusively in London at Browns Fashion store at South Moulton Street. Just check out their window display from a few weeks back. Mihara Yasuhiro is also retailed online via Luisaviaroma.

Below: Window display featuring Mihara Yasuhiro at Browns Fashion (London)... starry background is very cute:-)

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Nothing can be perfect in this world. There is some room for improvement elsewhere or in the future. But to me, this Mihara Yasuhiro collection do come close:-)

Source: Sosu.jp

The Material Boy #363

Below: Givenchy's Studded designs for Spring Summer 2010, on the iconic Nightingale bag...

Below: Love for this range of studded designs got stronger after seeing Pelayo Diaz of Katelovesme.net acquired this arm candy for himself...

Below: Pelayo rocking the bag with his James Dean hairstyle, and signature kilt look! Cool dude with a hot bag, what's not to love?:-P

Givenchy Studded Black Nylon Duffel And Nightingale Bag

To continue my 'studs' craze brought about by those Christian Louboutin Studded Freddy Flat shoes, I search high and low to find a worthy arm candy to 'match make' those 'lonely' shoes. A shoe of this level of appeal needs a bag with lots of personality.

During my recent trip to Bangkok early this month, I encountered this Givenchy Studded Duffel Bag in black nylon and gold studs in person at Club 21 Accessories, Siam Paragon. I fondled fondly with the bag, but gave up the idea to buy it for fear of the small size not being too suitable for guys. However, affirmation in the appeal of the bag comes when fame blogger Pelayo Diaz bought the exact same duffel and was seen spotting it during his rounds at the recent Men's fashion week.

The bag has aplenty of character when worn right! Pelayo rocks the bag with his James Dean hair, leather jacket and signature kilt look. I heart!

Apparently, the studded design comes in the Nightingale (EUR 757) or tote style design which can be bought here.

Yay or nay for studs?

Source: Givenchy, Farfetch, Katelovesme

The Material Boy #362

Below: Lovely Dries Van Noten Printed Tassel Scarf...
check out how good it looked on the guy below:-)


Below: This blue version is incredibly matching to a navy suit...

Dries Van Noten Printed Tassel Scarf

The wonders a good scarf can do to a look. Just look at this suave gentlemen as captured by Tommy Ton of Jak and Jil. The blue silk tassel scarf adds so much character and flair to his suited style, enhancing his sartorial charm while keeping him warm. Perfecto.

Dries Van Noten's subtle Ikat print combined with tassel fringes catches the sheen of the silk material, making this a luxurious piece of male accessory. Best part is, I have seen this in person at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel and I was surprised at the affordable price tag (approx SGD $369). Definitely something that looked more expensive than its worth.

Check it out or view it online at Browns.

Source: GQ, Browns

Retail price: £140.00. Where to buy: Browns Fashion

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #81

Below: I think Mika did these Christian Louboutin Freddy Flat more justice than Pharell Williams... they are red carpet worthy shoes, not so right for plain t-shirt and jeans!:-P I love Mika's Lanvin feather bowtie as well...

Below: Pharrell Williams may be one of the first celebrity to be spotted with the Freddy Flat, but his lack of style did not bring out the full glory of the design:-)

Below: I just got even more affirmation for my decision to get the shoes:-P LOVE it even if it was called a 'durian'!

Christian Louboutin Freddy Flat As Worn by Mika

Another Christian Louboutin celebrity fan spotted on the red carpet with the studded Freddy Flat! A reader commented they looked like durians, but I digress. I think it is 'fashion blasphemy' to compare with such an object. These shoes are a work of art!:-P

Thanks to Joe for sharing the pic. He also mentioned the men's version retailing for £950 and women's for £630 in London. Unfair price difference, especially since these shoes are identical in design!

But I love love the shoes! Inspired Monday:-P

Source: 00o00

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #84

Below: Click on pics to enlarge...

Balenciaga Spring Summer 2010 Ad Campaign: The Full Series

I posted an imagery of Balenciaga's Spring Summer 2010 Ad Campaign a while ago. So without further ado, the full series of the gorgeous ad campaign for one of my most favourite collection to date! Such strong graphic style with a bold statement. Nicolas' design inspirations are always remote, meaning he rarely copies. I love his drive to push fashion forward, and he always had extensive research on fabrics. I am also impressed with his mix of leather and sheer materials for a hard and soft contrast. I can't even start talking about those shoes... it's even more genius:-)

Source: Sean Inc.

The Runway Sniper #48

Below: Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2010 is back again with distressed tees, biker jeans and boots style... at least this season the models presenting the clothes look less dorky than last season's...

Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2010

Yet again, an evolutionary collection rather than revolutionary. Christophe Decarnin plays it safe one more time (yawn...) with predictable biker jeans, boots, distressed tees, blazers, biker jackets and so on. Looks like he had too little time on his hands for menswear and thought, why not take out the rejected designs from 2 seasons ago and just sent them down the runway!

I am disappointed. Not that the pieces are bad... they are very wearable. A certain nonchalant, bad boy style which got everyone crazy, that is of course after the appeal of wearing something that not everyone can afford. (I cannot imagine the lower priced blue label eroding this novelty). I just wished Balmain Homme can move the collections at least a few steps forward and not in tiny strides. If this continues, I wonder how many people will want to keep stocking up on the same (or maybe slightly different) pieces that are already existing in their wardrobe.

I love Balmain. But I just cannot justify purchasing the same thing season after season.

What say you guys?

Source: Brieuc75